John 1:1-9 ▼

1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God.

3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being.

4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.

5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

6 There came a man commissioned and sent from God, whose name was John.

7 This man came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe [in Christ, the Light] through him.

8 John was not the Light, but came to testify about the Light.

9 There it was—the true Light [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone.